Nourish Them

Malnutrition can describe a body weight that is lower than normal for age, a lower height than normal for age, being dangerously thin or displaying vitamin and/or mineral deficiency. Malnutrition, especially among children, is an obstacle that prevents individuals and even societies from developing their full potential.

Malnutrition in the Dominican Republic

While the Dominican Republic is the most visited destination in the Caribbean, the vast majority of the money brought to the island via tourism is shared among a relatively small percentage of the population. As such, there are many areas of the country that suffer from significant poverty and malnutrition.

According to the State of the World’s Children Report for 2007, between the years 1998-2005 some 11% of all Dominican babies were born with a low birth weight, with roughly the same percentage suffering from moderate to severe, chronic malnutrition. However, the girls at the two homes supported by Here For Them currently have much higher rates of malnutrition. About 67% of the girls at Doña Chucha are classified as malnourished, with the girls at Hogar Altagracia suffering from much higher percentages of malnutrition than the Dominican average as well.

Our “Nourish Them” project is raising funds that will be used to supplement the foods the girls normally receive with nutrition targeted at the specific needs of the malnourished girls. Our goal is to raise $10,000 by December 31, 2013. We would greatly appreciate your support of this worthy cause.